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WCSHC NEWS
June 2008
Saving Rural America: Wallaces’ Family Farm
T
he Wallaces originally lived in Baton Rouge, La and after a life-changing incident… moved to Zachary. The Wallaces purchased a 15 acres farm located approximately 20 miles north of Baton Rouge in a rural agricultural section of East Baton Rouge Parish…Chaneyville. The farm consists of a barn, pond, and several fenced-in pastures. The property runs close to the Comite River. Robert dreamed of raising animals, however, with no farming experience, Robert joined Community Cattle Enterprise, Inc, to gain information and knowledge. Matthew Moore organized Community Cattle Enterprise (CCE) in 1988. Moore’s vision of helping local farmers came to fruition with persistence work. Moore’s vision created an organization, which gained national recognition support from Heifer Project International and USDA.
Membership with CCE allowed Robert to minimize mistakes by learning from experience cattle farmers. Additionally, Robert attended conferences, watched videos, asked questions and participated in local farm organizations. Through patient, Wallace received five bred heifers through CCE’s Heifer Project and purchased five bred heifers. After undertaking this endeavor, Robert continued to work a 12hour shift at Exxon Mobil Refinery. On days off, he tended cattle, repaired fences, built water lines, and hauled feed. Additionally, the Wallaces traveled around Louisiana, visited other farms and gathered information to benefit CCE members and supporters. The Wallaces participated in trainings sponsored by Heifer International. Emily King, HPI’s Louisiana Field Coordinator, provided trainings with support from Southern Univer-
sity, Louisiana State University, Louisiana Cooperative Association and other groups. In 2005, CCE membership elected Robert Wallace as president. Wallace successfully incorporated CCE as a nonprofit organization and attracted sizable donations from individuals and companies from the Baton Rouge area. Under Wallace’s presidency, the youth program organized, with support from Earl Jones, Bruce Langley and Clifton Pearson. The youth program operates independently of CCE. Youth members receive educational and hands-on husbandly trainings with small animals on Saturdays. Several youth members placed in local livestock competition. Robert’s leadership capacity created a historical pass-on with Four Rivers Livestock and St. Helena Company’s Heifer Projects. CCE holds its monthly meetings on the first Wednesday, except in
December. The year-end meeting involves a dinner for spouses and guest. In addition, the membership elects officers and discuss next year’s activities. CCE membership increased by ten percent under Robert’s leadership…CCE members hails from Zachary, Baker, Baton Rouge, Kentwood, Amite and Folsom Parishes. Robert serves as vice president of Louisiana Brangus Association. The Wallaces attends the Church of the Burning Fire in Zachary and serves in several leadership capacities.
Mr. and Mrs. Wallace
WCSHC Founding Members Dee and Omerio Dotson
Mr. Dee Dotson and Mrs. Omerio Dotson
1.Dotson’s Garden
2. Dotson’s Garden
3. Dotson’s Garden
4. Dotson’s Garden